In the vibrant neighborhoods of Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, and Roslindale, families thrive, cultures intermingle, and communities support one another through good times and bad. However, a glaring gap persists in these communities: the absence of a 24-hour emergency healthcare facility. Residents of these areas face longer travel times to access immediate medical care, placing undue stress and risk on patients and their families who require urgent attention.

The old Carney Hospital site remains underutilized, a site rich with potential to serve not just as a physical space, but as a beacon of hope and safety for thousands of Boston residents who currently lack nearby access to round-the-clock emergency services. In a city like Boston, renowned for its medical contributions, it is unfathomable that such a basic healthcare service should be unavailable in these populous neighborhoods.

The establishment of a 24-hour emergency unit at the old Carney Hospital site is a feasible and necessary step toward equitable healthcare. It would not only alleviate the pressures on existing emergency rooms in other parts of the city but also ensure that all residents have access to the care they need when they need it most. This service is essential for providing immediate care to serious injuries, heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions where every minute matters.

Statistics show that timely emergency care dramatically increases the chances of recovery and survival. According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, significant delays in treatment increase morbidity and risk serious complications. For the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions in particular, quick access to emergency healthcare is critical.

Imagine a parent in Dorchester who finds their child with a high fever late at night, or an elderly person in Roslindale experiencing chest pains in the early morning hours. The extraordinary wait or travel time to reach a hospital due to the absence of local emergency services could mean the difference between life and death.

We urge the city of Boston to act swiftly and responsibly. This is not only a plea from the residents directly affected but a call for Boston to uphold its commitment to all its citizens' health and safety. Let's transform the old Carney Hospital site into a fully operational 24-hour emergency healthcare unit. Sign this petition to demand immediate attention and action from the city of Boston, ensuring that no resident in Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park, or Roslindale is left without critical healthcare access when it is needed most. Your signature could help save lives.